RUN TO WRITE
One of my favorite reasons for having a running program in the schools is that running is a topic children love to write about. It can cure the WORST case of writer's block. So I encourage teachers to take their kids out for runs and then ask them to write all about their experience.
- Carol Goodrow |
June 25, 2009
Davis chose running as his topic at school. His mother writes:
Dear Editor,
My husband and I have been Runners' World subscribers for many years, as well as avid runners, of course. Our two kids (ages 10 and 12) seem proud of our running accomplishments, and we have coaxed them into some running, but it seems like they, like many kids, would often prefer to play video games than go out and exercise. It was, therefore, quite gratifying when we went to open house at school last month and saw posted on a bulletin board this essay that our 10-year-old son wrote. The assignment was simply to write a persuasive essay...this is verbatim - no grammar corrections!
"Running More Often" by Davis Lang, 4th grade
I strongly believe people should run more often. Nowadays a lot of people in America are overweight. Here are three good reasons that people should run more often.
The first is running makes you healthier. It gets you in better shape and makes your heart healthier.
The second reason is that you can run with your buddies. There are group races. It's fun and it encourages you to do better.
The third reason is that you can finish your goal. First, you do a half-marathon. Then, you do a marathon. If you just love running and you're up for a challenge you can do a 50-mile or 100-mile race.
I have given you three reasons to run more often. Run!
We got a kick out of seeing this (and thought other readers might, too!). It seems so obvious, but it captures the three basic elements of why we love to run - for health and fitness, for the social aspect of it, and to set and accomplish goals for ourselves. I suppose the good example we're trying to set is sinking in at least a little (both kids have joined track and cross country teams)!
Davis's Mom
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